Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
POWER TOOL ELEMENT INDICATING SYSTEM AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to power tool element indicating systems and
methods and power tools comprising such systems and methods.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Power tools, gardening tools and the like often have a replaceable and/or
adjustable element. For example, many power tools and gardening tools have one
or more replaceable elements in the form of a rotating or reciprocating blade
that
is worn down or blunted over time through use. Once the blade no longer cuts
effectively, the blade needs to be replaced. However, one problem associated
with
such replaceable blades is the user being unaware that the blade needs to be
replaced. For example, some power tools still perform their function, albeit
less
effectively and/or less efficiently, even though the blade needs to be
replaced. In
other examples, such as with some rotary or cylindrical lawn mowers, the blade
is
not visible to the user during ordinary use of the power tool such that the
user is
not aware that the blade needs to be replaced.
Many power tools and gardening tools have an adjustable element, the
position of which can be adjusted according to different requirements, such as
the
type of power tool, a particular application and/or an extent of use of the
element.
For example, a chain of a chainsaw is one form of an adjustable element, which
is
also a replaceable element. The tension of a chainsaw chain typically reduces
through use and often needs to be adjusted to increase the tension of the
chain. If
the chain becomes too loose, the cutting efficiency and effectiveness of the
chain
is impaired and in some cases, the chain can detach from the guide bar of the
chainsaw.
For some power tools and gardening tools, it is possible to install a
replaceable and/or adjustable element incorrectly, yet the tool can still
operate and
seem to perform its function. For example, for at least some chainsaws, it
possible,
and quite easy, to install the chain backwards on the guide bar. The chainsaw
will
still operate and seem to work to the user, but the blades are facing in the
wrong
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direction and so do not cut properly, which can damage the chain and the
chainsaw.
For other power tools and gardening tools, it is necessary for certain types
of replaceable and/or adjustable elements to have a particular clearance to
allow
for, for example, adequate airflow. In other examples, multiple positions for
a
replaceable and/or adjustable element are possible in a single tool, but the
correct
positions are not apparent to the user and/or which position achieves which
effect.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a system and/or a
method that addresses, or at least ameliorates, one or more of the
aforementioned
problems and/or provides a useful commercial alternative.
According to one aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the
present invention resides in a power tool element indicating system
comprising:
a detection device in communication with a replaceable and/or adjustable
element of a power tool to determine whether the replaceable and/or adjustable
element of the power tool requires replacement or adjustment; and
an indicator in communication with the detection device to indicate that the
replaceable and/or adjustable element requires replacement or adjustment.
Preferably, the detection device is configured to record operation of the
replaceable and/or adjustable element, compare the recorded operation with a
threshold value and determine that the replaceable and/or adjustable element
requires replacement or adjustment when the recorded operation equals or
exceeds the threshold value.
Suitably, the detection device is configured to record one or more of the
following operations of the replaceable and/or adjustable element: a
cumulative
duration of use; a number of rotations; a rate of rotation; a number of
oscillations;
a number of reciprocations; a number of cycles; a number of movements.
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Preferably, the detection device is configured to determine a position and/or
orientation and/or other characteristic of the replaceable and/or adjustable
element,
compare the determined position and/or orientation and/or other characteristic
with
a threshold value or a range and determine that the replaceable and/or
adjustable
element requires replacement or adjustment when the determined position and/or
orientation and/or other characteristic does not comply with the threshold
value or
the range.
Suitably, the detection device is configured to determine one or more of the
following of the replaceable and/or adjustable element: a level of wear; a
wear
profile; an electric current profile; a separation from a part of the power
tool; a level
of protrusion; an installation orientation; a level of tension.
Suitably, the detection device analyses a determined characteristic of the
replaceable and/or adjustable element, such as, but not limited to, the level
of
wear, and/or the wear profile, to determine an estimated remaining lifespan of
the
replaceable and/or adjustable element.
Suitably, the detection device disables operation of the power tool if the
detection device determines that the replaceable and/or adjustable element
requires replacement or adjustment.
Preferably, the detection device resets or deletes the recorded operation of
the replaceable element when the detection device determines that the
replaceable element has been replaced.
Preferably, the detection device resets the indicator when the detection
device determines that the replaceable and/or adjustable element has been
replaced or adjusted.
Suitably, the detection device determines whether the replaceable and/or
adjustable element is compatible with the power tool.
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Suitably, the indicator comprises one or more of the following: an
illumination device; an LED; a display; a liquid crystal display (LCD); a
touch
sensitive display; an audible indicator.
Suitably, the indicator is part of a user's computing device, such as a mobile
phone, tablet or computer.
Suitably, the detection device comprises a wireless reader mounted on, in
or to the power tool, the wireless reader in communication with a wireless
transmitter attached to, embedded in, or part of the replaceable and/or
adjustable
element.
According to another aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the
present invention resides in a power tool element indicating method
comprising:
determining, by a detection device in communication with a replaceable
and/or adjustable element of a power tool, whether the replaceable and/or
adjustable element of the power tool requires replacement or adjustment; and
indicating, by an indicator in communication with the detection device, that
the replaceable and/or adjustable element requires replacement or adjustment.
The method may comprise the detection device:
recording operation of the replaceable and/or adjustable element;
comparing the recorded operation with a threshold value; and
determining that the replaceable and/or adjustable element requires
replacement or adjustment when the recorded operation equals or exceeds the
threshold value.
The method may comprise the detection device recording one or more of
the following operations of the replaceable and/or adjustable element: a
cumulative duration of use; a number of rotations; a rate of rotation; a
number of
oscillations; a number of reciprocations; a number of cycles; a number of
movements.
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The method may comprise the detection device:
determining a position and/or orientation and/or other characteristic of the
replaceable and/or adjustable element;
comparing the determined position and/or orientation and/or other
characteristic with a threshold value or a range; and
determining that the replaceable and/or adjustable element requires
replacement or adjustment when the determined position and/or orientation
and/or
other characteristic does not comply with the threshold value or the range.
1.0 The method may comprise the detection device determining one or more of
the following of the replaceable and/or adjustable element: a level of wear; a
wear
profile; an electric current profile; a separation from a part of the power
tool; a level
of protrusion; an installation orientation; a level of tension.
The method may comprise the detection device analyzing a determined
characteristic of the replaceable and/or adjustable element and determining an
estimated remaining lifespan of the replaceable and/or adjustable element.
The method may comprise the detection device disabling operation of the
power tool if the detection device determines that the replaceable and/or
adjustable element requires replacement or adjustment.
The method may comprise the detection device resetting or deleting the
recorded operation of the replaceable element when the detection device
determines that the replaceable element has been replaced.
The method may comprise the detection device resetting the indicator when
the detection device determines that the replaceable and/or adjustable element
has been replaced or adjusted.
The method may comprise the detection device determining whether the
replaceable and/or adjustable element is compatible with the power tool.
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According to another aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the
present invention resides in a power tool element indicating system comprising
a
detection device in communication with a replaceable and/or adjustable element
of
a power tool to:
determine one or more characteristics of the replaceable and/or adjustable
element; and
analyze the one or more characteristics to determine an estimated
remaining lifespan of the replaceable and/or adjustable element.
Preferably, the system comprises an indicator in communication with the
detection device to display the estimated remaining lifespan of the
replaceable
and/or adjustable element.
Preferably, the detection device is configured to perform one or more of the
aforementioned operations.
According to another aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the
present invention resides in a power tool comprising the aforementioned power
tool element indicating system.
Suitably, the power tool is selected from one of the following: a lawn mower;
a
lawn edger; a circular saw; a jigsaw; a reciprocating saw; a mulcher; a
chipper; a
chainsaw; a pole pruner; a drill; a power file; a sander; a belt sander; an
orbital
sander; a grinder; a hedge trimmer; a stapler; a sweeper; a router; a nail
gun; or
other power tool.
Suitably, the replaceable and/or adjustable element is selected from one of
the
following: a blade; a catching blade; a cutting blade; a mulching blade; a
hybrid
blade; a chainsaw chain; an abrading element; a brush; a drill chuck; a
carriage; a
carrier, or other element.
Further features and/or aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of
example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like
reference
numerals refer to like features. In the drawings:
FIG 1 is a schematic diagram of a power tool element indicating system
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG 2 is a schematic diagram of part of a power tool element indicating
system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2.0 FIG 3 is a general flow diagram illustrating a power tool element
indicating
method according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG 4 is a general flow diagram illustrating a power tool element indicating
method according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG 5 is a general flow diagram illustrating a power tool element indicating
method according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG 6 is a general flow diagram illustrating a power tool element indicating
method according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG 7 is a general flow diagram illustrating a power tool element indicating
method according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to
scale.
For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings
may
be distorted and/or some elements may be omitted to help improve understanding
of embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to power tool element
indicating systems and methods and power tools comprising such systems.
Herein,
the term "power tool" refers to any power tool, gardening tool or the like for
domestic, commercial or industrial use comprising an element, such as a blade,
a
chain or other element that is replaceable and/or adjustable. The power tool
can
be electrically operated by an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC)
power
supply. However, it is envisaged that the present invention can also be used
with
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tools comprising a power supply in the form of an internal combustion (IC)
engine,
such as a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine and having an electric circuit for the
present
invention.
With reference to FIG 1, according to some embodiments, the present
invention is a power tool element indicating system 100 comprising a detection
device 102 in communication with a replaceable and/or adjustable element 104
of
a power tool 106 to determine that the replaceable and/or adjustable element
104
of the power tool 106 requires replacement or adjustment. The power tool
element
indicating system 100 comprises an indicator 108 in communication with the
detection device 102 to indicate that the replaceable and/or adjustable
element
104 requires replacement or adjustment.
According to some embodiments, the detection device 102 is configured to
detect and record operation of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104,
compare the recorded operation with a threshold value and determine that the
replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 requires replacement or adjustment
when the recorded operation equals or exceeds the threshold value. For
example,
the detection device 102 can detect and record for how much time the
replaceable
and/or adjustable element 104 has been in use and compare the recorded usage
time with a threshold time value. When the cumulative recorded usage equals or
exceeds the threshold time value, the detection device 102 transmits a signal
to
the indicator 108 and the indicator 108 indicates that the replaceable and/or
adjustable element 104 requires replacement or adjustment. In some instances,
the element 104 will need replacing when the threshold time value is reached
or
exceeded. In some instances, when the threshold time value is reached or
exceeded, the element 104 will require adjustment, for example, changing a
mounting position of the element 104 to compensate for a level of wear in the
element 104 after the threshold time value of use.
Different power tools will have different modes of operation. For example,
lawn mowers, lawn edgers, circular saws, mulchers and many other power tools
have rotating elements in the form of blades, such as cutting blades, catching
blades, hybrid blades or mulching blades. Other power tools, such as jigsaws
and
reciprocating saws, have reciprocating elements in the form of sawtooth
blades.
Other power tools have continuous cutting or abrading elements, such as the
chains of chainsaws and pole pruners, which move along a guide bar, or
abrasive
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belts as used in power files or belt sanders. Other tools have
replaceable/adjustable elements in the form of brushes, drill chucks, or
carriages
or carriers for loading a consumable, such as fasteners, e.g. as used in a
nail gun.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the detection
device 102 is configured to record one or more of the following operations of
the
replaceable and/or adjustable element 104: a cumulative duration of use; a
number of rotations; a rate of rotation, i.e., revolutions per minute (RPM) or
other
rate measurement; a number of oscillations; a number of reciprocations; a
number
of cycles; a number of movements.
Consequently, according to some embodiments, the detection device 102 is
configured to detect and record the relevant operation of the replaceable
and/or
adjustable element 104, compare the recorded operation with a threshold value
for
the relevant operation and determine that the replaceable and/or adjustable
element 104 requires replacement or adjustment when the recorded relevant
operation equals or exceeds the threshold value for that operation.
According to some embodiments, the detection device 102 is configured to
determine a position and/or an orientation and/or other characteristic of the
replaceable and/or adjustable element 104. The detection device 102 is
configured
to compare the determined position and/or orientation and/or other
characteristic
of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 with a threshold value or a
range
for the position and/or orientation and/or other characteristic. The detection
device
102 is configured to determine that the replaceable and/or adjustable element
104
requires adjustment when the determined position and/or orientation and/or
other
characteristic of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 does not
comply
with the threshold value or the range.
In particular, the detection device 102 is configured to determine one or
more of the following of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104: a
level of
wear; a profile; a separation from a part of the power tool 106; a level of
protrusion; an installation orientation; a level of tension.
For example, in relation to a chain of a chainsaw, in some embodiments,
the detection device 102 can determine whether the chain is installed on the
guide
bar in the correct orientation, i.e. in a forward, cutting direction, and not
installed
backwards. In some embodiments, the detection device 102 can determine
whether the tension of the chain is sufficient. In another example, according
to
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CA 3101881 2020-12-04
some embodiments of the present invention, the detection device 102 can
determine whether the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 has the
required separation or clearance from, for example, a body, cage, guard or
cover
of the power tool 106, to ensure that, for example, the replaceable and/or
adjustable element 104 does not catch on the body, cage, guard or cover of the
power tool 106 and/or provides adequate airflow. In other examples, according
to
some embodiments of the present invention, the detection device 102 can
determine a level of wear of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104
such
that when the element 104 has been worn down through use below a threshold
level, such as, but not limited to 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% of
the original, unused level, the detection device 102 transmits a signal to the
indicator 108 to indicate that the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104
needs
replacing or adjusting. Whether the indicator 108 indicates replacement or
adjustment will depend on the level of wear. A lower level of wear will likely
result
in an indication by the indicator 108 that the element 104 can be adjusted and
does not need to be replaced. A higher level of wear may result in an
indication by
the indicator 108 that the element 104 needs to be replaced. In some
instances,
although the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 may not have been used
for a cumulatively long period of time and show low levels of wear, a high
impact
event, such as a collision of the element 104 with a rock or other hard object
can
be detected by the detection device 102, for example, by analyzing the
resultant
profile of the element 104. Such a collision may deform the profile of the
element
104, rendering the element inoperable, inefficient or ineffective in its
intended
operation, such that the element 104 needs to be replaced.
According to some embodiments, the detection device 104 analyses a
determined characteristic of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104,
such
as, but not limited to, the level of wear, and/or the profile of the element
104, to
determine an estimated remaining lifespan of the replaceable and/or adjustable
element 104. For example, if the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 is
expected to have a lifespan of 6 months based on x rotations of the element
104
or y hours of use, if the detection device 104 determines that the element 104
has
undergone x/2 rotations or been used for x/2 hours, the detection device 104
determine can determine that the remaining lifespan of the replaceable and/or
adjustable element 104 is approximately 3 months.
CA 3101881 2020-12-04
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the detection
device 102 disables operation of the power tool 106 if the detection device
102
determines that the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 requires
replacement or adjustment. This can prevent, for example, damage to the power
tool 106 and/or ineffective or inefficient operation and/or potential damage
to the
environment being worked upon and/or potential hazard to the user.
According to some embodiments, the detection device 102 resets or
deletes the recorded operation of the replaceable element 104 when the
detection
device 102 determines that the replaceable element 104 has been replaced. The
detection device 102 can then record new data for the newly replaced element
104.
According to some embodiments, the detection device 102 resets the
indicator 108 when the detection device 102 determines that the replaceable
and/or adjustable element 104 has been replaced or adjusted. The indicator 108
is
therefore ready to display information pertinent to the newly replaced element
104.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the detection
device 102 determines whether the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 is
compatible with the power tool 106. For example, common fittings may be used
for
different types of element 104 suitable for different types of power tool. In
some
embodiments, the detection device 102 can determine whether the replaceable
and/or adjustable element 104 is appropriate, suitable for, and/or compatible
with
the power tool 106 to which it is attached and display an appropriate
indication via
the indicator 108.
According to some embodiments, the indicator 108 comprises one or more
of the following: an illumination device, such as, but not limited to a light
emitting
diode (LED); a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a touch
sensitive
display; an audible indicator. For example, in some embodiments, under the
relevant conditions as described herein, the detection device 102 causes the
indicator 108 in the form of an LED to illuminate to indicate to a user that
the
replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 needs to be replaced or adjusted. In
some embodiments, the LED or other illumination device can emit a first colour
to
indicate that the element 104 needs to be replaced and can emit a second
colour
to indicate that the element needs to be adjusted. In other embodiments, where
the indicator 108 is in the form of a display, the display can display one or
more
icons or other indicators to indicate to a user that the element 104 needs to
be
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replaced or adjusted or to indicate another characteristic of the element 104,
such
as an impact event, a wear profile or other event that requires inspection of
the
element 104 by the user.
In some embodiments, where the display is a touch sensitive display, the
s display can receive inputs from a user to indicate that, for example, the
element
104 has been replaced or adjusted or to reset the indicator 108.
In some embodiments, where the indicator 108 is in the form of a display,
the display can be the display of user's device 112, such as a mobile phone,
tablet
or other computing device, rather than, or in addition to a display provided
on, or
part of, the power tool 106. In such embodiments, the detection device 102 can
communicate with the user's device 112, such as a mobile phone, tablet or
other
computing device, via a transceiver 110 in communication with the detection
device 102. According to different embodiments, the transceiver 110 can be
capable of using one or more communication protocols, such as, but not limited
to,
Bluetooth, VViFi, near field communication (NEC), 3G, 4G or 5G, to enable the
detection device 102 of the system 100 to communicate with the user's device
112.
In such embodiments, the user can interact with the system 100 via the user's
device 112 to indicate that, for example, the element 104 has been replaced or
adjusted or to reset the indicator 108.
According to some embodiments, and with reference to FIG 2, the detection
device 102 comprises a wireless reader 120, such as a radio frequency
identification (RFID) reader 120 mounted on, to or in the power tool 106. In
such
embodiments, the RFID reader 120 is in communication with a wireless
transmitter
122, such as an RFID chip 122 attached to, mounted to or associated with the
replaceable and/or adjustable element 104. The RFID reader 120 receives data
from the RFID chip 122 to enable the detection device 102 to detect and record
operational data relating to the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 as
described herein to enable the detection device 102 to make the determinations
as
described herein regarding whether the replaceable and/or adjustable element
104
needs to be replaced or adjusted. In such embodiments, when the element 104 is
replaced, the RFID reader 120 reads the new RFID of the replacement element
104 and resets or deletes the recorded operation for the element 104 and
resets
the indicator 108.
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According to other embodiments, the detection device 102 comprises
another type of wireless reader 120 mounted on, to or in the power tool 106
capable of communication with another type of transmitter 122 attached to,
mounted to or associated with the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104
according to another communications protocol, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, or near
field communication (NFC).
It will be appreciated that the particular implementation of the present
invention and the extent of functionality can depend on the particular power
tool
106 and the nature of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104. For
example,
where the power tool 106 is a mower and the replaceable and/or adjustable
element 104 is a mower blade, the RFID chip 122, or other type of device, can
be
embedded in, or mounted to the mower blade and the RFID reader 120, or other
type of reader of the detection device 102 can be embedded in, or mounted to a
body of the mower. In such embodiments, the detection device 102, via the chip
122 and the reader 120, can detect, for example, a number of hours of
cumulative
use and compare to a threshold value of a number of hours of use to determine
when the blade should be replaced or adjusted and indicate same to a user
accordingly via the indicator 108. Additionally, or alternatively, the
detection device
102 can determine a degree of wear of the mower blade and/or a wear profile of
the mower blade and indicate same to a user accordingly via the indicator 108.
Additionally, or alternatively, the detection device 102 can determine an
electric
current profile as a result of an impact with an object, such as a rock, post,
tree
stump or root, or other obstacle that is likely to have damaged or otherwise
.
compromised the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 and/or the
performance of the power tool 106. When such an impact occurs, the element 104
is often stopped, or significantly slowed down, which creates a characteristic
electric current profile than can be detected by the detection device 102. The
detection device 102 can indicate detection of the electric current profile to
a user
via the indicator 108 that they should inspect or replace the element 104.
Such
indications can be via a particular colour of LED, or via a particular icon
displayed
on a display.
In embodiments where the power tool 106 is a chainsaw, the transmitter
122 of the detection device 102, such as the RFID chip 122, can be nested into
or
otherwise embedded in, or part of the chain drive link, and a transmitter 122
can
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CA 3101881 2020-12-04
also, or alternatively, be nested into or otherwise embedded in, or part of
the guide
bar of the chainsaw, both of which should be changed regularly due to use.
In some embodiments, the transmitter 122 of the detection device 102 can
communicate a characteristic of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104,
such as whether the blade is a catching blade, a mulching blade, or a hybrid
blade
and adjust the RPM of a motor of the power tool 106 to the appropriate speed.
For
example, catching blades typically need a slightly higher RPM for better
performance, whereas mulching blades typically need a lower RPM for better run
time.
In some embodiments, based on transmitter 122 in the replaceable and/or
adjustable element 104, the indicator 108 of the power tool 106 can recommend
operating cutting heights where the element 104 is a blade. For example,
catching
blades typically need approximately 35-80mm+ heights to allow for adequate
airflow, whereas mulching blades can typically operate from approximately 15-
45mm.
In embodiments where the power tool 106 is a chainsaw, the detection
device 102 of the system 100 can inform the user via the indicator 108 if the
replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 in the form of a chain is installed
incorrectly, e.g. backwards. The detection device 102 of the system 100 can
also,
zo or
alternatively inform the user via the indicator 108 if the chain is loose.
This
would happen because the transmitter 122 would be further from the reader 120,
or physically be out of range because the chain is too loose. In either
situation, the
system 100 can disable the power tool 106 until the problem is rectified and
inform
the user of the problem via the indicator 108.
The skilled addressee will appreciate variations required according to the
type of power tool 106 and the nature of the replaceable and/or adjustable
element
104 that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the present invention as
defined
by the attached claims.
According to other aspects, embodiments of the present invention reside in
a power tool element indicating method. With reference to FIG 3, the method
300
comprises, at 305, determining, by the detection device 102 in communication
with
the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 of the power tool 106, that the
replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 of the power tool 106 requires
replacement or adjustment. At 310, the method 300 comprises indicating, by the
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CA 3101881 2020-12-04
indicator 108 in communication with the detection device 102, that the
replaceable
and/or adjustable element 104 requires replacement or adjustment.
With reference to FIG 4, according to some embodiments, the step 305 of
the detection device 102 determining that the replaceable and/or adjustable
element 104 of the power tool 106 requires replacement or adjustment
comprises,
at 315, the detection device 102 recording operation of the replaceable and/or
adjustable element 104. As described herein, recording operation of the
element
104 can comprise the detection device 102 recording one or more of the
following
operations of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104: a cumulative
duration of use; a number of rotations; a rate of rotation; a number of
oscillations;
a number of reciprocations; a number of cycles; a number of movements. At 320,
the method 300 comprises the detection device 102 comparing the recorded
operation with a threshold value. At 325, the method comprises the detection
device 102 determining that the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104
requires replacement or adjustment when the recorded operation equals or
exceeds the threshold value and indicating same via the indicator 108. If the
recorded operation does not equal or exceed the threshold value, at 315, the
detection device 102 continues recording operation of the replaceable and/or
adjustable element 104.
According to some embodiments, two or more operations of the element
104 can be recorded by the detection device 102. In such embodiments, the
recorded values for two or more operations of the element 104 can be compared
with respective thresholds. In such embodiments, one or more of the thresholds
need to be equaled or exceeded for the detection device 102 to determine that
the
element 104 needs to be replaced or adjusted. Such determinations will depend
on the operations of the element 104 being recorded and the power tool 106.
For
example, where the operations of duration of use and rate of rotation are
recorded
for the element 104, if the duration of use threshold is not reached or
exceeded, if
the rate of rotation has been, for example, constantly on a high setting, the
detection device 102 may determine that the element 104 needs to be replaced
or
adjusted.
With reference to FIG 5, according to some embodiments, the step 305 of
the detection device 102 determining that the replaceable and/or adjustable
element 104 of the power tool 106 requires replacement or adjustment
comprises,
CA 3101881 2020-12-04
at 330, the detection device 102 determining a position and/or orientation
and/or
other characteristic of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104. As
described herein, such determination can comprise the detection device 102
determining one or more of the following of the replaceable and/or adjustable
element 104: a level of wear or a wear profile; an electric current profile,
for
example caused by high impacts with foreign objects, such as rocks; a
separation
of the element 104 from a part of the power tool, such as a body or casing; a
level
of protrusion of the element; an installation orientation; a level of tension.
At 335,
the method comprises the detection device 102 comparing the determined
position
and/or orientation and/or other characteristic with a threshold value or a
range. At
340, the method comprises the detection device 102 determining that the
replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 requires replacement or adjustment
when the determined position and/or orientation and/or other characteristic
does
not comply with the threshold value or the range and indicating same via the
indicator 108. If the determined position and/or orientation and/or other
characteristic does not equal or exceed the threshold value or range, at 330,
the
detection device 102 continues determining the position and/or orientation
and/or
other characteristic of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104.
According to some embodiments, two or more of a position and/or
orientation and/or other characteristic of the element 104 can be determined
by
the detection device 102. In such embodiments, the recorded values for two or
more of a position and/or orientation and/or other characteristic of the
element 104
can be compared with respective thresholds or ranges. In such embodiments, one
or more of the thresholds or ranges need to be equaled or exceeded for the
detection device 102 to determine that the element 104 needs to be replaced or
adjusted or inspected. Such determinations will depend on the position and/or
orientation and/or other characteristic of the element 104 being recorded and
the
power tool 106. For example, where a position and a wear profile are
determined
for the element 104, if the position threshold or range is not exceeded, if
the wear
profile is such that the element can no longer be used, or will not perform
its
function efficiently and/or effectively, the detection device 102 can
determine that
the element 104 needs to be replaced.
With reference to FIG 6, according to some embodiments, a method 400 of
the present invention comprises, at 405, the detection device 102 determining
a
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characteristic associated with the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104,
such
as an electric current profile caused by impacts of the element 104 with
foreign
bodies, such as rocks, posts, tree stumps or the like, that can potentially
damage
the element 104. The method 400 comprises, at 410, the detection device 102
analyzing the determined characteristic of the replaceable and/or adjustable
element 104. At 415, the method comprises determining an estimated remaining
lifespan of the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104. The method
comprises
at 420, the detection device 102 transmitting the calculated estimated
remaining
lifespan to the indicator 108. For example, the estimated remaining lifespan
can be
displayed to the user via a display, in the form of, for example, a number of
remaining hours of use or an icon.
With reference to the method 300 shown in FIG 7, according to some
embodiments, where the detection device 102 determines, at 305, that the
element 104 needs to be replaced or adjusted and, at 310, the detection device
102 has indicated same via indicator 108, at 345, the method 300 can comprise
the detection device 102 disabling operation of the power tool 106 until the
element 104 has be suitably adjusted or replaced.
According to some embodiments, at 350, the method 300 can comprise the
detection device 102 resetting or deleting the recorded operation and/or
determined position, orientation and/or characteristic(s) of the replaceable
element
104 when the detection device 102 determines that the replaceable element 104
has been replaced.
According to some embodiments, at 355, the method 300 can comprise the
detection device 102 resetting the indicator 108 when the detection device 102
determines that the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 has been
replaced
or adjusted.
According to some embodiments, at 360, the method 300 can comprise the
detection device 102 determining whether the replaceable and/or adjustable
element 104 is compatible with the power tool 106. It will be appreciated that
in
embodiments in which the compatibility of the element 104 is determined, this
step
can occur before the data relating to the previous element 104 is deleted or
reset
and/or before the indicator 108 is reset.
According to another aspect, the present invention resides in a power tool
element indicating system 100 comprising the detection device 102 in
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communication with the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 of the power
tool 106 to determine one or more characteristics of the replaceable and/or
adjustable element 104 and analyze the one or more characteristics to
determine
an estimated remaining lifespan of the replaceable and/or adjustable element,
as
s described herein. The system comprises the indicator 108 in communication
with
the detection device 102 to display the estimated remaining lifespan of the
replaceable and/or adjustable element 104. It will be appreciated that in
preferred
embodiments, the detection device 102 is also configured to perform one or
more
of the aforementioned operations of the detection device 102 as described
herein.
Another aspect of the present invention resides in the power tool 106
comprising the power tool element indicating systems 100 and methods 300, 400
as described herein. It will be appreciated that the power tool element
indicating
systems 100 and methods 300, 400 are applicable to a wide range of power tools
having one or more replaceable and/or adjustable elements 104. For example,
is embodiments of the present invention are applicable to power tools
such as, but
not limited to lawn mowers, lawn edgers, circular saws, jigsaws, reciprocating
saws, mulchers, chippers, chainsaws, pole pruners, drills, power files,
sanders,
such as belt sanders and orbital sanders, grinders, hedge trimmers, staplers,
sweepers, routers; nail guns and other tools.
Hence, embodiments of the present invention address, or at least
ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned problems by the detection device
102 determining whether the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 of the
power tool 106 requires replacement or adjustment and indicating to a user via
the
indicator 108 that the replaceable and/or adjustable element 104 of the power
tool
106 requires replacement or adjustment. The user can then adjust or replace
the
element 104 to ensure efficient and effective operation of the power tool and
reduce the likelihood of damage to the power tool and/or the user. The present
invention is particularly useful when the element 104 is not visible to the
user
during ordinary use of the power tool and/or where it is not readily apparent
to the
user that the element 104 needs replacement or adjustment.
Embodiments of the present invention can include recording one or more
operations of the element 104, such as duration of use, number of rotations,
rate
of rotation and the like, and/or one or more of a position, orientation and/or
other
characteristic of the element, such as a level of wear, a wear profile and/or
an
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electric current profile to determine whether the replaceable and/or
adjustable
element 104 of the power tool 106 requires replacement or adjustment. Some
embodiments comprise calculating an estimated remaining lifespan of the
element
104 and/or determining a compatibility of the element 104 with the power tool
106.
In some embodiments, the detection device 102 can communicate with a
computing device 112 of the user to inform the user that the element 104
requires
adjustment or replacement and the user can communicate with the detection
device 102 via their computing device 112.
In this specification, the terms, "first", "second" etc. are intended to
differentiate between different features of the present invention and are not
intended to limit the present invention to a particular order of
implementation
unless the context indicates otherwise.
In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms
are
intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that
comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely but may
well
include other elements not listed.
The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be
taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art
forms
part of the common general knowledge.
It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the
specific
embodiments described herein. Skilled addressees will identify variations from
the
specific embodiments described herein that will nonetheless fall within the
scope
of the present invention, which is determined by the following claims.
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